I began my life as a prison theatre artist 25 years ago. Over the years, through first-hand experience with prisoners, their families, and others, I came to understand some of the more oppressive elements of the state prison system, and the relation of that system to the larger prison-industrial complex. This essay is a reflection on the key…

Recent momentum to develop a trauma-informed education system provides an important opportunity for Pennsylvania schools. About two out of every three school-age children are likely to experience at least one traumatic event, such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence, by age 17. The effects of traumatic stress can include negative impacts on…

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) released its Reentry Education Model, an evidence-based effort "to bridge the gap between prison and community-based education and training programs." The model focuses on establishing a strong program infrastructure, strengthening and…

More than 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States, and around 700,000 are released from prison each year. Those who are released face daunting obstacles as they seek to reenter their communities, and rates of recidivism are high. Many experts believe that stable employment is critical to a successful transition from prison to the…

More than 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States, and around 700,000 are released from prison each year. Those who are released face daunting obstacles as they seek to reenter their communities, and rates of recidivism are high. Many experts believe that stable employment is critical to a successful transition from prison to the…

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI; S. O. Lilienfeld, 1990; S. O. Lilienfeld & B. P. Andrews, 1996) with a community sample has suggested that the PPI subscales may comprise 2 higher order factors (S. D. Benning, C. J. Patrick, B. M. Hicks, D. M. Blonigen, & R. F. Krueger, 2003). However,…

This article reports findings from an impact study of a 2-year postsecondary academic program offered in state prisons. Outcomes examined for participants during their 1st year of participation include performance on a standardized test of critical thinking skills, credit acquisition, achievement motivation, educational aspirations, personal…

In 1996 Wisconsin excluded 17-year-olds from being tried in the juvenile court. Initially this was an effort to save resources and improve community safety by incarcerating older teens as adults. At the time of the legislative change, there was little research to suggest that trying youth as adults would improve community safety. Since then,…

A 50-state analysis of postsecondary correctional education policy conducted by the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) in 2005 found that 68 percent of all postsecondary correctional education is provided by community colleges. The IHEP findings were the basis for this review of partnerships between community colleges and prisons. This…

This document discusses Wisconsin state legislation on juvenile justice issues. In part I key provisions of these six bills are briefly described: (1) 1989 Assembly Bill 501, relating to a study of the use of small, secure juvenile facilities and youthful offender facilities; (2) 1989 Assembly Bill 502, relating to an early intervention program…

This report was prepared for the Wisconsin State Legislative Council's Special Committee on Community Corrections Issues. It provides background information on the Wisconsin prison system for adults and the Wisconsin community corrections system for adults. Part I examines the prison system, focusing on administration of the system, sentencing…

Administered the Psychological Screening Inventory to prisoners at reception centers within the Wisconsin Correctional Facilities to assess potential psychological maladjustment. Of 1,707 male prisoners evaluated at one correctional facility, 82 were transferred to mental hospitals during incarceration. Transferred inmates scored significantly…

This study presents the public costs of high school dropouts in Wisconsin. It examines how dropouts in the state dramatically impact state finances through reduced tax revenues, increased Medicaid costs, and high incarceration rates. It also examines just how much high school dropouts cost Wisconsin's taxpayers each year, and how much could be…

Examined recidivism in male status offenders and delinquents released from a state training school in Wisconsin. The sample was derived from 1965 and 1967 correctional files. Subjects were followed for 10 years to determine whether they had a conviction for a felony as an adult. Found that considerable recidivism occurred among subjects. Policy…

This document presents the report of the Task Force on Corrections and the Higher Education System in Wisconsin. Following introductory material, recommendations are suggested concerning jail programs, programs with inmates and staff within existing institutions, halfway houses, university structure and programs, preventive measures, and funding.…